Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Party for the Senses

Every year, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival continues to grow. It is an amazing array of chefs and countries putting together delicious small plates, and while you walk from booth to booth, you’ll wonder how much your stomach can handle. This year, the Food and Wine Festival has nearly 30 different booths for you to grab and snack or drink at. That doesn’t even include the already great selection of restaurants at Epcot’s World Showcase if you are still hungry. However, for several years now, Walt Disney World has hosted a party within the festival for people who really want to get serious about food and fun, The Party for the Senses.

The Party kicks off with a reserved front row spot for the Eat to the Beat concert series. A great deal considering many of the acts performing are still selling tickets to concerts around the U.S. at $40 or more. That includes acts like Smash Mouth, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Blues Traveler, Billy Ocean, Sugar Ray, and many more.

After enjoying an early concert from one of the acts during this years Eat to the Beat series, you’ll make your way over to the the ShowPlace pavilion at 7:30pm which is located between the United Kingdom and Canada pavilions. This large “warehouse” will become a showcase for around 50 different culinary booths, all free with the purchase of the Party for the Senses ticket. As the building opens up, you’ll find yourself wandering from booth to booth, picking a table for your home base, and trying everything you can. At least you should be doing that, because you paid to do so. Several of the booths outside along the walkway of World Showcase will be featured along with some interesting delights from culinary chefs around Walt Disney World.

When entering the ShowPlace pavilion, you will receive a plate with a hole cut in the side that will fit your wine glass perfectly. That was done so that you can wander the Party with one hand free. I do have to note that along with admission, you get the wine glass to take home. The wine glasses always look great with some sort of logo for the party etched into them, so you will always have something to remember your evening by, along with the countless memories.

Last, but certainly not least, performers take the stage within the pavilion each year. Last year was a huge hit with the cast of Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba performing throughout the party. The Cirque band played throughout most of the night, while a few acts took over 3 times to put on dazzling displays or athletics and beauty. If you’ve ever seen a Cirque show, you know what I mean here. Well, this was so popular among guests that Disney is bringing the La Nouba cast back this year. The music and talent is powerful and will be a great backdrop throughout your night.

If all of this wasn’t enough, you can add on to your ticket with the purchase of a reserved seat in the Wine View Lounge. In the lounge area, you will be guaranteed a seat at a table along with a full bar menu to drink from. The lounge guests will also get into the party an extra 15 minutes early. As for my personal tastes, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are very much into hard alcohol, which is really all you are getting here. Yes, you get a seat, but the party is less than 4 hours long so standing shouldn’t be too much of a problem. As for the 15 extra minutes, if you can eat faster than most people and scarf down tons in 15 minutes, then be my guest, but I don’t believe this kind of occasion requires anyone to be downing food like that. This is a time in which you savor the tastes.

If you would like to go to the Party for the Senses, it is every Saturday during the Food and Wine Festival, which add up to 7 different nights to choose from if you are looking to book your trip still. Be aware that admission to this party does not include Epcot park admission which you will need. That being said, basic admission to the party is $145 a person. That includes your front row viewing at Eat to the Beat concert series, and admission into the Party from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. That gives you plenty of time to try some great food and enjoy the sounds and sights from La Nouba.

If you are looking for a seat and a little bit more from the party with the Wine View Lounge seating, tickets are an extra $90 for that. Again, I don’t really believe this is necessary at all, but if you think this would be good for you or your group, go for it. As of this past week, tickets are on sale for these events every Saturday and tickets are limited due to space constraints so I would jump on that if you are interested in this bonus event. If you have never been to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and are second guessing the Party for the Senses, I say don’t do it. It is a large ticket price and might be better for someone who has been to the Festival before. Trust me, walking around World Showcase, your senses will already be having a party.